[flybobbyflyParticipant]

I just wanted to throw out a few comparisons for top prospects in this years draft to see what you all think. Here we go. 

Jahlil Okafor- Elton Brand/Eddy Curry

Obviously Jah doesn’t have the character/disipline concerns that Eddy Curry has but I feel like the skill set and body type is similar. Big bullying back to the basket post with soft touch and good hands. I feel like his career trajectory will follow pretty similar to Brands with maybe 10 years in the neighborhood of 20 and 10. Good reliable post scorer and rebounder, but not the lead man on a championship caliber team. I love that he has spent so much time mastering his footwork, it shows good work ethic and I expect him to be a good player. 

Karl-Anthony Towns- Rasheed Wallace/ Andrew Bogut

I see towns as fitting somewhere in between these two guys. I think he will be an inside outside threat, maybe not quite the shooter rasheed was but still dangerous, While also being an elite post defender and high IQ center. While I think that he is a high character guy and I expect him to do well, I think he is a bit of a softie, and where he ends up will play a big part in his career trajectory. I think he needs a solid veteran presence and a strong supportive coaching staff. I see him having averages og 16 and 10 with two blocks throughout the prime of his career. 

Deangelo Russell- James Harden/ Steph Curry/ Mike Bibby

I know that I am comparing him to the two leading MVP candidates, but I don’t actually feel he will be on that level as a player. I feel that his skill set is similar to, but of course below Hardens, and his athleticism is similar to Currys. I don’t feel that he will be an MVP quality player but I do feel like he will be a top 10 point guard in the league and make a couple all star teams during his prime. I think his career will be similar to Mike Bibby with his best years averaging around 20 and 7 assists. 

Emmanuel Mudiay- John Wall/ Tony Wroten

I think Mudiay will end up being the best player from this draft. Holding your own against professional basketball players as an 18 year old while being all the way across the world speaks volumes about his maturity both as a person and a basketball players to me. He has high level athleticism, a great feel for the game as a point guard, both on the break and in the half court set. His only weaknesses right now as a prospect are his shot, which looks fixable in my unprofessional opinion, and that he is turnover prone. I feel that if he gets put in the right place with a solid coaching staff ready to commit to him, he has star potential. I think 20 points and 10 assists while also being a defensive force is what he is capable of. I don’t see a lot of bust potential, but he could up a similar player to Tony Wroten if he doesn’t improve his shooting and play with more control. 

If you want more comparisons, feel free to ask.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cheetosjalapeno17Participant]

How would you compare other top prospects like Justise Winslow, Stanley Johnson and Willey Cauley Stein? Or the Foreign prospects like Porzingis or Hezonja?

[cheetosjalapeno17Participant]

How would you compare other top prospects like Justise Winslow, Stanley Johnson and Willey Cauley Stein? Or the Foreign prospects like Porzingis or Hezonja?

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

 Justise Winslow – Caron Butler/  Corey Brewer

 

I see winslow as a fringe all star top 10 small forward type guy in his prime. Agressive player, solid all around skills, good both on the ball and off the ball, with some iso skills. He played a little wreckless in college but got away with it due to his athleticism. He won’t have the same size/athleticism advantage in the pros. If he doesn’t improve his decision making I could see him as a 3 and D transition player similar to corey brewer as his floor. I see him averaging around 16 with 6 rebounds and being a solid wing defender. 

Stanley Johnson- Andre Iguodala/ Aaron Afflalo

Reminds me of former Arizona alumni Iggy when he was first in the league. He doesn’t quite have the explosiveness that Iggy used to have, but he has a broader frame and knows how to use his body on offense and defense. He seems to have a good understanding of the game and is a good facilitator for a wing player. I see him being a mix of these two guys, while not having the elite aspects of either. He doesn’t have near the jumpshot that Afflalo has or the extreme athleticism of Iguodala. I think he will be a solid player and I am a fan of his. 15 points 7-8 rebounds 3-4 assists and a disruptive defender are my expectations. 

Willie Cauley-Stein- Tyrus Thomas/ Joakim Noah

I am extremely impresses with Cauley steins ability to guard perimeter players as well as his potential to protect the rim. I feel like he has the potential to be the type of player Noah is defensively, but I don’t feel he has same intensity and fire in his game, doesn’t have Noahs passing ability. He reminds me of tyrus thomas when he was on the bulls, I expect him to make the same type of highlight plays and bring an extreme amount of energy. He’ll be a starting center and bring a ton of defensive versatility, not much on offense outside of lobs and transition buckets. I see 11 and 11 with 2 blocks for his best years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

 Justise Winslow – Caron Butler/  Corey Brewer

 

I see winslow as a fringe all star top 10 small forward type guy in his prime. Agressive player, solid all around skills, good both on the ball and off the ball, with some iso skills. He played a little wreckless in college but got away with it due to his athleticism. He won’t have the same size/athleticism advantage in the pros. If he doesn’t improve his decision making I could see him as a 3 and D transition player similar to corey brewer as his floor. I see him averaging around 16 with 6 rebounds and being a solid wing defender. 

Stanley Johnson- Andre Iguodala/ Aaron Afflalo

Reminds me of former Arizona alumni Iggy when he was first in the league. He doesn’t quite have the explosiveness that Iggy used to have, but he has a broader frame and knows how to use his body on offense and defense. He seems to have a good understanding of the game and is a good facilitator for a wing player. I see him being a mix of these two guys, while not having the elite aspects of either. He doesn’t have near the jumpshot that Afflalo has or the extreme athleticism of Iguodala. I think he will be a solid player and I am a fan of his. 15 points 7-8 rebounds 3-4 assists and a disruptive defender are my expectations. 

Willie Cauley-Stein- Tyrus Thomas/ Joakim Noah

I am extremely impresses with Cauley steins ability to guard perimeter players as well as his potential to protect the rim. I feel like he has the potential to be the type of player Noah is defensively, but I don’t feel he has same intensity and fire in his game, doesn’t have Noahs passing ability. He reminds me of tyrus thomas when he was on the bulls, I expect him to make the same type of highlight plays and bring an extreme amount of energy. He’ll be a starting center and bring a ton of defensive versatility, not much on offense outside of lobs and transition buckets. I see 11 and 11 with 2 blocks for his best years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

 Kristapz Porzingis- Jan Vesely/ Detlef Schrempf

I’m comparing to two other white euro players, but it is what it is. I feel like there are so many questions when drafting a foreign prospect that doesn’t have an NBA body and that is what we are looking at. He is 20 lbs lighter than would be an acceptable weight for a skinny 7 footer. He better be good enough to make up for his size advantage he will face as an nba power forward. His ball handling doesn’t look near good enough to consider playing him anywhere else, as I don’t think hel’ll be able to create with the ball in his hands. His shot is solid and he does run the floor very well. If he can find time on the floor he could become a dangerous offensive player one day, but I think that he is more likely bust than boom. The NBA is full of great athletes. 

Mario Hezonja- Klay Thompson/ Rudy Fernandez

I think this guy is an absolute baller. He seems like he has it all great outside shooter, great athlete, passer, excellent feel for the game, and an absolute fire in his game. My biggest concern with him is that I don’t know how well he will handle not being a high priority to his franchise if that happens, If he has to deal with a reserve role or a euro bias. He is very confident/cocky and I could see him getting pissed off and getting labeled as a problem and not getting a fair shake in the nba. If he gets in the right situation I could see him becoming one of the most dangerous wings in the league. Needs to be in the right situation but I could see him averaging 20 points on a playoff team. 

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

 Kristapz Porzingis- Jan Vesely/ Detlef Schrempf

I’m comparing to two other white euro players, but it is what it is. I feel like there are so many questions when drafting a foreign prospect that doesn’t have an NBA body and that is what we are looking at. He is 20 lbs lighter than would be an acceptable weight for a skinny 7 footer. He better be good enough to make up for his size advantage he will face as an nba power forward. His ball handling doesn’t look near good enough to consider playing him anywhere else, as I don’t think hel’ll be able to create with the ball in his hands. His shot is solid and he does run the floor very well. If he can find time on the floor he could become a dangerous offensive player one day, but I think that he is more likely bust than boom. The NBA is full of great athletes. 

Mario Hezonja- Klay Thompson/ Rudy Fernandez

I think this guy is an absolute baller. He seems like he has it all great outside shooter, great athlete, passer, excellent feel for the game, and an absolute fire in his game. My biggest concern with him is that I don’t know how well he will handle not being a high priority to his franchise if that happens, If he has to deal with a reserve role or a euro bias. He is very confident/cocky and I could see him getting pissed off and getting labeled as a problem and not getting a fair shake in the nba. If he gets in the right situation I could see him becoming one of the most dangerous wings in the league. Needs to be in the right situation but I could see him averaging 20 points on a playoff team. 

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I like most of your reviews but I believe your description of Porzingis is rather weak. Maybe you haven’t seen enough of him. You forgot to mention he’s a great weakside blocker and a solid pick and roll defender. He will be in the league for a long time just because of those atributes. He has some similarities to Detlef, but nothing like Vesely. Vesely was an athlete who couldn’t do much more. I’m not saying he will be an all star or an MVP, but his skillset is unique for a role player, he’s a 3 and inside D kinda guy.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I like most of your reviews but I believe your description of Porzingis is rather weak. Maybe you haven’t seen enough of him. You forgot to mention he’s a great weakside blocker and a solid pick and roll defender. He will be in the league for a long time just because of those atributes. He has some similarities to Detlef, but nothing like Vesely. Vesely was an athlete who couldn’t do much more. I’m not saying he will be an all star or an MVP, but his skillset is unique for a role player, he’s a 3 and inside D kinda guy.

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

 I respect that. I watched some scouting videos of him but I haven’t seen him as much as a lot of the other prospects. I just have a lot of questions about picking a guy that is that far away from being at a normal weight for his position. At 207 pounds I feel that he is going to get pushed around by nba posts, and I don’t feel that he actually offers the versatility to be a wing. He is 10 pounds lighter than greek freak, but doesn’t have the ball handling to be a face up threat. I see him as a backup stretch 4, and I feel that there are a lot of strong starters in this draft. I would place him around 10-12 on the big board at this point but like I said I haven’t seen enough of him yet.

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

 I respect that. I watched some scouting videos of him but I haven’t seen him as much as a lot of the other prospects. I just have a lot of questions about picking a guy that is that far away from being at a normal weight for his position. At 207 pounds I feel that he is going to get pushed around by nba posts, and I don’t feel that he actually offers the versatility to be a wing. He is 10 pounds lighter than greek freak, but doesn’t have the ball handling to be a face up threat. I see him as a backup stretch 4, and I feel that there are a lot of strong starters in this draft. I would place him around 10-12 on the big board at this point but like I said I haven’t seen enough of him yet.

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

Please leave some feedback, I tried my best to study these guys and evaluate their games. I felt I was pretty high on most of these guys but tried my best to come up with realistic comparisons as to what they will contribute in the league. 

I’d love to discuss these comparisons or hear your critiques.

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

Please leave some feedback, I tried my best to study these guys and evaluate their games. I felt I was pretty high on most of these guys but tried my best to come up with realistic comparisons as to what they will contribute in the league. 

I’d love to discuss these comparisons or hear your critiques.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 The KAT comparison is the best one yet. 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 The KAT comparison is the best one yet. 

[Flameres15Participant]

 I don’t see the Jahlil Okafor-Eddy Curry/Elton Brand comparison. Obvously comparing Okafor to Curry is an insult to both Okafor and the game of basketball (Just kidding). I understand the Elton Brand comparison, but I see more of a DeMarcus Cousins in his game. Cousins was not a great defender when he started out in the league, but eventually made an impact. Tell me what you think of this comparison.

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

I tried to balance each comparison with a high and a low. I definitely don’t think that Okafor will end up like eddy curry because he is wayyyy more disciplined, but at one point Curry was a promising young prospect and a top 5 overall pick. He actually scored close to 20 points a game a couple of seasons. 

I can see why you would want to make the cousins comparisons, but I feel like cousins has a much more developed all around game and is much more of a dangerous face up player, also I think cousins is a better passer and rebounder. I don’t expect Okafor to put up cousins type numbers, but I also don’t expect him to have the same question marks surrounding his career from an attitude standpoint. 

 

 

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

I tried to balance each comparison with a high and a low. I definitely don’t think that Okafor will end up like eddy curry because he is wayyyy more disciplined, but at one point Curry was a promising young prospect and a top 5 overall pick. He actually scored close to 20 points a game a couple of seasons. 

I can see why you would want to make the cousins comparisons, but I feel like cousins has a much more developed all around game and is much more of a dangerous face up player, also I think cousins is a better passer and rebounder. I don’t expect Okafor to put up cousins type numbers, but I also don’t expect him to have the same question marks surrounding his career from an attitude standpoint. 

 

 

[Flameres15Participant]

 I don’t see the Jahlil Okafor-Eddy Curry/Elton Brand comparison. Obvously comparing Okafor to Curry is an insult to both Okafor and the game of basketball (Just kidding). I understand the Elton Brand comparison, but I see more of a DeMarcus Cousins in his game. Cousins was not a great defender when he started out in the league, but eventually made an impact. Tell me what you think of this comparison.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 From the limited highlights that I’ve seen of him I think your analysis of hezonja seems to be spot on. I definitely think that he could thrive in the NBA if used in a similar role to klay Thompson. I think that he is even more athletic than Thompson, although I’m not sure he is quite the shooter klay is. Regardless, the guy has a ton of potential. Hopefully his career turns out better than Fernandez, who was a guy that had a ton of talent but never really found his niche in the NBA.  

[benny15Participant]

 Fernandez actually lef the NBA in his own terms he was playing well for Denver and they wanted to resign him but he would rather play home where he was a star, made or was making more money and would be with his family. its very much understandable. 

and i agree with you, Mario is much more athletic than Klay, especially if you factor in Klay’s combine numbers. I would say though that given Mario’s athletic and shooting ability, as well as his bad habbits of taking bad shots or quick pull ups, i see him as a JR Smith type wingman. the kind of explosive talent than can drop 30 on any night if he gets hot but sometimes settles for his jumper too many times.

 

[benny15Participant]

 Fernandez actually lef the NBA in his own terms he was playing well for Denver and they wanted to resign him but he would rather play home where he was a star, made or was making more money and would be with his family. its very much understandable. 

and i agree with you, Mario is much more athletic than Klay, especially if you factor in Klay’s combine numbers. I would say though that given Mario’s athletic and shooting ability, as well as his bad habbits of taking bad shots or quick pull ups, i see him as a JR Smith type wingman. the kind of explosive talent than can drop 30 on any night if he gets hot but sometimes settles for his jumper too many times.

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 From the limited highlights that I’ve seen of him I think your analysis of hezonja seems to be spot on. I definitely think that he could thrive in the NBA if used in a similar role to klay Thompson. I think that he is even more athletic than Thompson, although I’m not sure he is quite the shooter klay is. Regardless, the guy has a ton of potential. Hopefully his career turns out better than Fernandez, who was a guy that had a ton of talent but never really found his niche in the NBA.  

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 Nice work, flybobbyfly. A lot of these seem right on. 

I saw the KAT/Rasheed Wallace one the other day. I really think that is a great comparison. 

The Okafor/Eddy Curry comparison shouldn’t necessarily scare people. Curry had the potential to be a better Al Jefferson, but he never got control of his weight. I think their play style is similar. 

I’m not a big fan of the Russell/Harden/Curry comparison. To me, Russell looks like an ideal combo guard/sixth man (Louis Williams). His weak tourney has to give us pause about how he will do against NBA athletes. I know people want Russell to be All-NBA good, but I don’t think he has that skill. He reminds me more of Goran Dragic. 

I love the Winslow Caron Butler comparison. 

I also like the Tyrus Thomas/ WCS comparison, although I think his career numbers will be similar to Chris Anderson. 

Thoughts on Miles Turner? Oubre? Looney? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[WetalkinboutpracticeParticipant]

You say "I know people want Russell to be All-NBA good, but I don’t think he has that skill. He reminds me more of Goran Dragic."

But you must realize when you’re speaking about a player of Dragics caliber you are describing an All-NBA type basketball player, with elite level skill. Gorans floated around a 50/40/80 slash line for much of the last 2 &1/2 years and even was even named 3rd team ALL-NBA in 2014. While he may never be capture scoring titles, be a HOF’er, viable MVP candidate of the Curry/Harden ilk nor a 1st team All-NBA’er neither are some of the other 10-12 out 15 guys who are named to the teams.

Love the Dragic comparison for D’angelo Russell, just don’t think it should be considered a slight should he turn out to be a players of Dragics caliber & not more.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I was wondering if someone would call me on that. 

I don’t mean it as a slight to Dragic, but I think that his All-NBA 3rd team selection last year was a flash in the pan. While he is a great player, because of all the point guards who are better than him in the NBA, I don’t really consider him elite. 

Many players have career years where they make an All-star game, and even All-NBA team, but then are never able to get back to that level. Dragic is a really good player and the Heat are going to be very dangerous next year if they can keep him. 

I see Russell as a 2012-2013 or 2014-2015 Dragic, not a 2013-2014 Dragic. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I was wondering if someone would call me on that. 

I don’t mean it as a slight to Dragic, but I think that his All-NBA 3rd team selection last year was a flash in the pan. While he is a great player, because of all the point guards who are better than him in the NBA, I don’t really consider him elite. 

Many players have career years where they make an All-star game, and even All-NBA team, but then are never able to get back to that level. Dragic is a really good player and the Heat are going to be very dangerous next year if they can keep him. 

I see Russell as a 2012-2013 or 2014-2015 Dragic, not a 2013-2014 Dragic. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[WetalkinboutpracticeParticipant]

You say "I know people want Russell to be All-NBA good, but I don’t think he has that skill. He reminds me more of Goran Dragic."

But you must realize when you’re speaking about a player of Dragics caliber you are describing an All-NBA type basketball player, with elite level skill. Gorans floated around a 50/40/80 slash line for much of the last 2 &1/2 years and even was even named 3rd team ALL-NBA in 2014. While he may never be capture scoring titles, be a HOF’er, viable MVP candidate of the Curry/Harden ilk nor a 1st team All-NBA’er neither are some of the other 10-12 out 15 guys who are named to the teams.

Love the Dragic comparison for D’angelo Russell, just don’t think it should be considered a slight should he turn out to be a players of Dragics caliber & not more.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 Nice work, flybobbyfly. A lot of these seem right on. 

I saw the KAT/Rasheed Wallace one the other day. I really think that is a great comparison. 

The Okafor/Eddy Curry comparison shouldn’t necessarily scare people. Curry had the potential to be a better Al Jefferson, but he never got control of his weight. I think their play style is similar. 

I’m not a big fan of the Russell/Harden/Curry comparison. To me, Russell looks like an ideal combo guard/sixth man (Louis Williams). His weak tourney has to give us pause about how he will do against NBA athletes. I know people want Russell to be All-NBA good, but I don’t think he has that skill. He reminds me more of Goran Dragic. 

I love the Winslow Caron Butler comparison. 

I also like the Tyrus Thomas/ WCS comparison, although I think his career numbers will be similar to Chris Anderson. 

Thoughts on Miles Turner? Oubre? Looney? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[machu46Participant]

The Rasheed comparison is pretty great.  I had completely forgotten about him.  In regards to active players, Towns has a lot of the same strengths that Marc Gasol has.  Potential to be a great rebounder, long, wide base, touch from the elbow, that awkward one dribble step back jumper that they both do, he’ll hurt you at the free throw line, and has pretty good passing instincts.

Towns will never be the scorer Okafor is IMO, but he could end up having a greater impact when you think of all the other things he can do.

 

[machu46Participant]

The Rasheed comparison is pretty great.  I had completely forgotten about him.  In regards to active players, Towns has a lot of the same strengths that Marc Gasol has.  Potential to be a great rebounder, long, wide base, touch from the elbow, that awkward one dribble step back jumper that they both do, he’ll hurt you at the free throw line, and has pretty good passing instincts.

Towns will never be the scorer Okafor is IMO, but he could end up having a greater impact when you think of all the other things he can do.

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

 I’ve been comparing Okafor to Curry as well,  Most Scouts would rate Curry a better prospect coming out of High School than Okafor.. Curry literally just stopped working on his game when he got to the league and his weight has always been a problem..

[Robb_CParticipant]

 I’ve been comparing Okafor to Curry as well,  Most Scouts would rate Curry a better prospect coming out of High School than Okafor.. Curry literally just stopped working on his game when he got to the league and his weight has always been a problem..

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I can see Towns being like Rasheed.  Or a Derrick Coleman type.  Towns upside: Rasheed/DC on a good day.  Towns downside: Rasheed/ DC on a bad day.

if WCS is an ideal 3rd big more than a go to guy then I would compare his length, size, defense, dunks, and athleticism to John Salley.  Great third big man at either the 4 or the 5.  

With Okafor, he is a legit center but I don’t think he is a 7 footer.  He is not a super athlete or defender.  I would compare him to a top notch 80’s style center like Patrick Ewing or Brad Daugherty.  

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I can see Towns being like Rasheed.  Or a Derrick Coleman type.  Towns upside: Rasheed/DC on a good day.  Towns downside: Rasheed/ DC on a bad day.

if WCS is an ideal 3rd big more than a go to guy then I would compare his length, size, defense, dunks, and athleticism to John Salley.  Great third big man at either the 4 or the 5.  

With Okafor, he is a legit center but I don’t think he is a 7 footer.  He is not a super athlete or defender.  I would compare him to a top notch 80’s style center like Patrick Ewing or Brad Daugherty.  

[Lotto StudParticipant]

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[Lotto StudParticipant]

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